BLOG

Twitter Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in

Healthy Offspring Produced from 3D Printed Ovaries

  • Posted on

Nature Communications journal recently reported a major breakthrough by US scientists, who managed to implant fully functional 3D-printed ovaries in mice. This new development is set to offer new hope to women suffering from infertility.

The “ink” American experts used to print the prostheses was liquid gelatin. It was created from collagen, a material that exists in our skin, bones and muscles. Thanks to their web-like structure, the artificial ovaries were able to interact with other organs in the body to help trigger production of ova. They were also large enough to allow egg cell maturation and formation of blood vessels within them. This, in turn, made it possible for hormones to course through the body and jump-start lactation following delivery.

To the scientists’ delight, mice who received the 3D-printed ovaries went on to fall pregnant and give birth to healthy mouselings. At present, plans for next stage of animal testing include bigger mammals. Then (provided all goes well) they intend to move on to human trials.

3D Printed Ovaries – What Does it Mean for Humans?

The implications of this breakthrough cannot be underestimated. Every year, close to 25 thousand women of childbearing age are diagnosed with cancer in the UK alone. The life-saving treatments often result in loss of fertility. While some can undergo fertility preservation treatments and cryopreserve their eggs or embryos, certain malignancies (for example, breast or ovarian cancer) make the procedure nearly impossible. Furthermore, some women are unable to undergo the procedure due to relatively long stimulation protocols and the need to begin treatment immediately. Additionally, 3D-printed ovaries can also be beneficial for patients with conditions such as PCOS.

Lymphoma Chemotherapy and Fertility

Another recent study conducted at Edinburgh University discovered that ABVD protocol used to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma led to creation of new oocytes. Experts believe it can be used to “trick” ovaries into creating new eggs, which is something that does not happen naturally. Women are born with all the oocytes they will have during their lifetime. That number gradually decreases over time, dwindling completely around the age of 40-45.

More from CentraLIVF

Egg Donor Australia: Cost And Fees

No Comments April 18, 2024

If you cannot conceive with your own eggs, you may be exploring egg donor options in Australia. Of course, before making a decision, you’ll want to understand the cost and fees associated with this fertility treatment. When comparing costs, one

Read more

load more >

Our partner clinics

Compass Fertility, based in Canberra, Australia, is lead by Dr. Nicci Sides and offers a boutique style of care, tailoring to the individual FERTILITY needs rather than standard protocols, something that is not offered elsewhere.

Fertility First is based in Hurstville, half an hour’s drive from Sydney CBD. Lead by Dr. Anne Clark, the first specialist in Australia to receive CREI qualification, Anne and the team provide a holistic approach to treatment, with continuity of care throughout your journey.

No1 Fertility is located in Melbourne, Victoria, and is lead by Dr. Lynn Burmeister. The clinic’s focus is to provide the best patient care and fertility treatment at an affordable cost. The clinics have the best and latest technology with state-of-the-art equipment and world-leading scientists.

Repromed Clinic is one of the country’s leading fertility clinics, delivering excellence in their standard of care, innovation, and pregnancy success rates. It is the only IVF clinic in South Australia to offer a complete range of care tailored to your needs, support, and fertility treatment options, onsite at their Dulwich purpose-built facilities.

Coastal IVF is located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of Queensland in Maroochydore. Lead by Dr. Paul Stokes, Coastal IVF’s friendly team provides a wide range of fertility treatments, pregnancy, and general gynaecological services, creating the best experience by offering individualised care tailored to your needs and diagnoses.

The Sydney CBD clinic is Monash IVF’s flagship clinic. With a premium day hospital on site, Monash IVF provide a holistic patient experience where everything is conveniently located under the one roof. The Monash IVF team comprises of a multi-disciplinary team of leaders in reproductive health, including fertility specialists, gynaecologists, fertility nurses, embryologists, counsellors and patient coordinators.

Located within Westfield Shopping Centre, Monash IVF Bondi Junction offers a full service clinic for those living or working in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Our full service clinic provides numerous options and services to women and couples. Monash IVF Bondi Junction comprises a multi-disciplinary team of Fertility Specialists, Fertility Nurses, Scientists, Counsellors and Patient Coordinators, meaning everything is right on your door step.

Located in western Sydney, Monash IVF Parramatta offers a full service clinic for those living or working in the western suburbs of Sydney.Our full service clinic provides numerous options and services to women and couples. Monash IVF Parramatta comprises a multi-disciplinary team of Fertility Specialists, Fertility Nurses, Scientists, Counsellors and Patient Coordinators, meaning everything is right on your door step.

Our clinic in Penrith is a full service clinic offering Fertility expertise to anyone in and around Greater Western Sydney, including: Springwood, Glenbrook, Mount Druitt, Erskine Park or Luddenham. Monash IVF Penrith comprises a multi-disciplinary team of Fertility Specialists, Fertility Nurses, Scientists, Counsellors and Patient Coordinators, meaning everything is right on your doorstep.

Monash IVF Albury offers a consulting location to anyone located in or around Southern New South Wales or Northern Victoria. Monash IVF Albury provides a convenient location to those living or working around Glenroy, East Albury, South Albury and North Albury.

At Monash – Brisbane, our diverse team of experts brings together unparalleled fertility care within your reach. United under one roof, our Fertility Specialists and Patient Coordinators are devoted to providing personalized guidance on your journey towards parenthood.

Our Monash IVF Rockhampton clinic has been a beacon of hope for the Central Queensland community since 2003, catering to those in Port Curtis, Fairy Bower, Gracemere, Alton Downs, and Norman Gardens.

Established in 1998, Monash IVF Gold Coast has been the beacon of hope for single women, couples, families, and LGBTQI couples, eliminating extensive travel to metropolitan Brisbane.